Statement from NTRA President & CEO Alex Waldrop on 2018 handle increase:

“Boosted by a growing economy, a second Triple Crown winner, continued growth of racing’s big days and a full year operating under the new tax withholding and reporting regulations, 2018 proved to be a strong year for Thoroughbred racing” said Alex Waldrop, President & CEO of the NTRA. “It is worth noting that total handle topped $11 billion for the first time since 2010 and at 3.3%, growth in handle was the largest since 2000. Perhaps most intriguing were the per race day increases of 6.58% in handle and 6.81% in purses despite fewer races and race days.”